A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Saint-Etienne for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Saint-Etienne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a historic, quaint, and idyllic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food and theater.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a park-filled, industrial, and undiscovered city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne?

Both Saint-Etienne and Stratford-upon-Avon have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Stratford-upon-Avon is better known for its theatre productions, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its museums, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Stratford-upon-Avon is well known for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne and Stratford-upon-Avon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne is very good for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Saint-Etienne offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is an amazing town to visit for its theatre productions. However, Saint-Etienne is not a theatre destination.

Stratford-upon-Avon is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Saint-Etienne is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Stratford-upon-Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good destination for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Stratford-upon-Avon. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is very good for its hiking trails. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne is a decent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint-Etienne has some nice offerings. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Saint-Etienne. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint-Etienne is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Saint-Etienne has some public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Stratford-upon-Avon and Saint-Etienne are notable when it comes to walkability.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable place. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable town. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. In our opinion, Saint-Etienne has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Saint-Etienne than Stratford-upon-Avon. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Stratford-upon-Avon than Saint-Etienne. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Stratford-upon-Avon, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Stratford-upon-Avon than Saint-Etienne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Stratford-upon-Avon that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint-Etienne than Stratford-upon-Avon if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Saint-Etienne.

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne?

Even though Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Don't miss the theater, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Saint-Etienne, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this destination offers. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Don't miss the theater, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many people visit Saint-Etienne for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint-Etienne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

The destination of Saint-Etienne offers nightlife and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. This city offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stratford-upon-Avon and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Stratford-upon-Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stratford-upon-Avon than you might in Saint-Etienne.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Saint-Etienne, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the summer. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Saint-Etienne. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Saint-Etienne in the winter. The weather in Stratford-upon-Avon can be very cold. In January, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 3°C (38°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint-Etienne. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Stratford-upon-Avon during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty.

Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the spring. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Stratford-upon-Avon